Dieda Lao refers to the stems, leaves, or roots of the Zingiberaceae plant, Wood Ginger. It grows in valleys, along streams, in thickets, or mixed forests. Let's take a look at the functions, indications, and usage of Dieda Lao as traditional Chinese medicine with the help of the editor!
Dieda Lao
Morphological Characteristics of Dieda Lao
It is a shrub or small tree, 2-5m tall. The twigs are densely covered with yellow long stiff hairs, which soon fall off. The leaves are leathery, arranged in 4-5 whorls; lanceolate or
inversely lanceolate elliptic, 10-22cm long, 2-6cm wide, with a slightly pointed apex, a blunt or nearly circular base, hairless on the upper surface, only the midrib initially covered with short soft hairs, pale gray or yellowish-brown on the lower surface, covered with yellow soft hairs; petiole 2-6mm long, densely covered with long soft hairs.
Umbellate inflorescences, 2-10 dense on the upper part of the twig; total peduncle 1-2cm long, covered with yellow-brown soft hairs; total involucral bracts 4-7, covered with gray-brown silk hairs, each involucral bract with 7-8 flowers; calyx lobes 4, lanceolate;
stamens 9, long filaments, prominent, with long soft hairs. The fruit is ovoid, about 1cm long, with a pointed apex. Flowering period is from April to November, and fruiting period is from November to January of the following year.
Habitat and Distribution of Dieda Lao
Ecological environment: It grows in valleys, along streams, in thickets, or mixed forests.
Distribution: It is distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other places.
Functions and Indications of Dieda Lao
Dispels wind and promotes blood circulation; reduces swelling and relieves pain. It is used for rheumatoid arthritis; lower back and leg pain; limb paralysis; dysmenorrhea; bruises and swelling from injuries.
1. "Lu Chuan Materia Medica": Stem and leaves: disperses blood stasis, reduces swelling. It treats bruises and swelling from injuries.
2. "Guangxi Medicinal Plant Catalog": Root: expels wind, promotes qi circulation, treats consumptive lung disease; stem and leaves: treats snake bites.
Dosage and Administration of Dieda Lao
Internal use: Decoction, 5-10g of stems and leaves, 15-30g of roots; or soak in alcohol.
External use: Crush fresh leaves and apply a sufficient amount to the affected area.
Storage of Dieda Lao
Harvest during spring and summer, wash clean, use fresh or dry.
